links
here are some resources i use to improve my quality of life. i have used all of these so please trust me on their legitimacy
web browsing
- unplatform: extensive guide and database for migrating from social media to the indie web
- privacy guides: crowdsourced wiki full of resources and recommendations for best privacy practices and tools
- opensourcealternative.to: curated database of open-source alternatives to proprietary software. can you tell i like directories
- ublock origin: if you don't have a content blocker by now, get this one. open-source, anti-google, anti-ads, anti-tracking, reliable, solid, everything you can ask for. works best on non-chromium browsers, which you should be using anyways.
- indie wiki buddy: a browser extension that redirects you to independently run wikis instead of corporate run wikis such as fandom (supports breezewiki, an extension that removes ads and bloat from fandom wikis when indie wikis aren't available)
- shinigami eyes: a browser extension that marks transphobic and queerphobic accounts for more trans-friendly online experiences
media
- cobalt: a free open-source web app that downloads videos, audio, images, and gifs without ads, paywalls, viruses, etc. it just works
- free media heck yeah (FMHY): extensive directory of resources for pirating/torrenting media
- revanced extended: open-source patched version of the youtube mobile app that includes highly customizable features (most notably turning off ads)
- sponsorblock: open-source, crowdsourced browser extension that identifies and skips paid sponsor sections of youtube videos
- z-library: one of the most reliable free ebook/pdf libraries right now. i use this to download all of my reading materials. make sure to use the official website browser extension or app to access
- storygraph: Black-owned reading platform alternative to goodreads. far more granular reading statistics, filters, and recommendations
- nts radio: global, community-run music discovery platform that's free and ad-less. tons of niche shows featuring indie artists of all genres imaginable
- every noise at once: interactive scatterplot of all recorded genres on spotify. created by former data alchemist grant macdonald, who spotify laid off in 2024. i use it to identify my most frequently listened-to genres and find new artists within similar genre-spaces
health/personal care
- you feel like shit: interactive flow chart to help with self care/executive dysfunction
- COVID safety resource list: massive aggregated list of various COVID-conscious resources, from recommendations for PPE and air filters to step-by-step plans for when someone gets infected
- you've got COVID!: extremely concise and detailed acute COVID recovery plan to reduce long COVID risk
- wellbefore kn95 mask: my particular choice of mask. of all the ones on the market, this one has the best balance of cost, fit, and efficacy in my opinion. it takes inspiration from the korean k94 "boat style" masks that are optimized for daily use. comes in three tiers of comfort.
queerness/transness
- how to spot TERF ideology: a PDF primer on developing a critical eye for TERF ideology and navigating interactions with TERFs online and in real life
- #writeinclusion LGBTQIA+ factsheets: a collection of factsheets covering tips for more authentic representations of queer identities in narrative writing
- the diy hrt directory: what it says on the tin. i love you. i want you to be well
politics
- gazafunds: collective project that vets and recommends a different palestinian crowdfunding campaign upon every site refresh. recommendations prioritize campaigns close to their goals or ones raising funds for the sink and injured. helps take the guesswork and decision fatigue out from contributing to campaigns.
- socialism faq: directory of primary/secondary sources that debunk common anti-socialist and anti-communist talking points.
- list of US atrocities: what it says on the tin